Fatima Az-Zahraa (a.s.) Blessed Birth

The month of Jamadiul Akhir is the month of The Lady of Light.  Sayyidati Fatimatu Zzahra (a.s.) the only daughter of the Prophet (s.a.w.).
 
It was thought through Fatima (a.s.) that Allah (swt) assured the continuity of the Prophet's lineage, confounding the enemies who had taunted the Prophet as an abtar (The Qur'an, Al-Kawthar).  She was born at a time when the Arab used to bury their daughters alive out of shame for begetting a female child.  The Prophet (s.a.w) eradicated this social evil through the respect and reverence he showed his daughter.  He would stand up when she entered the room and would seat her next to him.  He would bid her farewell last when he went on a journey or a battle and would greet her first upon return.  He said, "Fatima is part of me.  Whoever hurts her hurts me and whoever hurts me hurts Allah (swt). . ."   Yet, she was the target of the fire set to the door which was pushed onto her causing her grievous injury and the injury and death of her unborn son.

    Her estate, Fadak, gifted to her by her father on the orders of Thy Almighty, was confiscated on the flimsiest pretext of a false hadith attributed to the Prophet (s.a.w).  The hadith was proved false  by Fatima (a.s.) through indisputable proof from the Qur'an, challenging the confiscation order and, by implication, asserting the right of Imam Ali (a.s.) to assume immediate successor-ship of the Prophet (s.a.w.) by the declaration of Ghadeer.  The Calipha restored her property in writing, but he weakly gave in to his mentor who tore up the written document of the Caliph and re-confiscated Fatima's personal property.  Fatima died aggrieved against the perpetrators of this blatant injustice.

    Fatima (a.s.) lived her brief life of eighteen years as a model daughter, wife, mother and leader of women, Sayyidati Nisaail 'Aalamiin.  Her exemplary life as the wife of Imam Ali (a.s.) is testified by the Imam (a.s.):  "I never became angry with Fatima, nor forced her to do anything against her wish, and she never disobeyed me.  Whenever I looked at her, all my sorrows and worries disappeared."

    The Qur'anic Ayatul Muwaddah, Ayatut-Tathir, Ayatul Mubahila, Suratul Kawthar and  Suratul Dahr, among others, pay tribute to her elevated status in the eyes of Allah (swt).

Narrated from Tabari in Dhakhaer Al-Uqbi, Asfuri Shafe'i in Nuzhat Al-Majalis and Qanduzi in Yanabea Al-Mawaddah narrated that Khadija (a.s.) said: "When Khadija was about to deliver, she sent for the Quraishan women to help her give birth to her child.   They refused and said: 'We will not help you; for you became Muhammad's wife.' In the meantime, four women entered the house; their beauty and brilliance can not be described.  One of them said: 'I am your Mother Eve.' The second one said: 'I am Asyia Bint Muzahim.' The third one said: 'I am Kulthum, Musa's sister.' The fourth one said: 'I am Mariam Bint Imran (Isa's mother).  We have come to deliver your child."' Fatima was then born. When Fatima (a.s.) fell on the ground, she was in a prostrating position, raising her finger."

    Naming the newborn (Fatima) is considered a principle divine rule.  Allah Almighty named Adam and Eve the first day He (swt) created them; He also taught Adam all names.  Men, too, have to followed the rule and have practiced it ever since.  Naming is an essential for civilized people.
 
    Imam Jafar As-Sadiq (a.s.) said: "Fatima has nine names near Allah (Exalted be His Name), they are: Fatima, Siddiqah (the honest), Al-Mubarakah (the blessed one), At-Tahirah (virtuous), Az-Zakiyah (the chaste), Ar-Radhiatul Mardhiah (she who is gratified and who shall be satisfied), Al-Muhaddathah (a person, other than a prophet, that the angels speak to), and Az-zahraa (the splendid)."

It is reported in Bihar, V. 10, that Imam Abu Jafar Al-Baqir (a.s.) said:    "When Fatima was born, Allah (Exalted is His Name) revealed to an angel to speak the name Fatima with Muhammad's tongue.  Allah then said: 'I have bestowed knowledge upon you and safeguarded you from menstruation."'  Then Abu Jafar (a.s.) added:  "By Allah, Allah (Blessed and Exalted in His Name) bestowed knowledge on her and safeguarded her from menstruation with the convenant." It is narrated from Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said to Fatima: 'O Fatima, do you know why you have been named Fatima?' Ali said: 'O Messenger of Allah, why was she named Fatima?' He (s.a.w.):  'Because Allah will surely safeguard her and her progeny from the Fire on the Day of Resurrection."' Fatima's name was dear to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), they respected the name and those who held it.  For instance, Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (a.s.) inquired from one of his companions about the name to be given to his newborn daughter, the man replied: "I named her Fatima." Imam  Sadiq then said: "Fatima?!  May peace of Allah be upon Fatima.  Now that you have given her the name Fatima, refrain from slapping or abusing her, rather honor her." It has also been reported from Imam Hasan Al-Askari (a.s.): "The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: 'When Allah created Adam and Eve, they strutted through paradise and said: 'Who are better than we?'  At that moment they noticed an image of a girl like they had never seen before; from this girl came an illuminating light so bright that it almost blinded the eyes. They said: 'O Lord, what is this?' He answered: 'This is the image of Fatima, the mistress of your women descendants.' Adam asked: 'What is this crown on her head?' Allah said: 'Her husband Ali.' Adam then asked: 'What are her two earrings' Allah  replied: 'Her (two) sons, they were ordained in My ever-existent knowledge two thousand years before I created you."'  

References:
Abu-Muhammad Ordoni.  Fatima the Gracious.  Anssarian Publication, Qum.  Pages 45, 46-48, 50, 55.

Al Huda Magazine.  Fatimatu Badha'tumminni.  Al-Khoei Foundaton.  October/November 1996.